CONNECTING SOUTH AFRICAN AND INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES ON SCIENCE ENGAGEMENT
The Falling Walls Engage Hub South Africa was launched on 28 – 29 November 2022 in Cape Town, bringing together South and Southern African perspectives on Science Engagement and Planetary Health. For this 9th Hub launch, Falling Walls Engage has partnered up with the University of the Western Cape (UWC), with the collaboration of Jacqueline Goldin, Associate Professor Extra-Ordinary in the Faculty of Natural Sciences at UWC, founder of the project “Diamonds at the Sole of their Feet” and Falling Walls Engage Winner 2021.
The two-day program was woven around the four elements – Fire, Water, Air and Earth – each thematic area providing a gateway to discuss projects, opportunities and challenges for engaging with communities, and reflect on the role of science in South Africa. The event gathered 50 Science Engagement practitioners, representatives from science institutions, researchers and students from the University of the Western Cape, in addition to international participants.
Participants exchanged perspectives and best practices in relation to agrarian justice, alternative energies, healthcare, water and food security, biodiversity, indigenous knowledge, human-animal relations and access to STEM education, in addition to many insights on the institutionalisation, funding and impact of Science Engagement in South Africa. The event was hosted by International Relations and the Faculty of Natural Sciences at UWC and took place at the School of Government.